Eagle¡¯s eye in the sky has aided in the arrest of two people following a dangerous driving incident, which could have ended in tragedy.
At about 4am, the Police Eagle helicopter spotted a vehicle travelling on Mount Albert Road with a broken quarter light window.
Auckland City West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Wayne Kitcher, says the vehicle was signalled to stop which it initially did, before fleeing at speed.
¡°Officers did not pursue the vehicle as it reached speeds of more than double the road limit.
¡°Eagle has continued to observe the vehicle until it was successfully spiked, and slowed down enough to let the passenger out where he has then fled on foot.¡±
Inspector Kitcher says he was quickly taken into custody.
¡°The vehicle has continued on, including driving on the wrong side of the road.
¡°A pursuit has then been authorised based on the manner of driving and a short time later the vehicle has come to a stop.
¡°The driver fled on foot, across the Southern Motorway before the alleged offender was apprehended by the Police dog unit.
¡°It¡¯s incredibly fortunate that no one was harmed by this poor driving behaviour.
¡°Other road users should not expect to have their safety put at risk as it was last night, it¡¯s completely unacceptable.¡±
Inspector Kitcher says during a search of the vehicle an imitation firearm and machete were also located.
A 17-year-old will appear in Auckland Youth Court charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to remain, dangerous driving, possession of offensive weapon and possession of an imitation firearm.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/51½ÖÉä